Top 20 best routers: price/quality ranking 2021-2022

Router is an integral part of our work and entertainment, the choice of which is largely determined by the desire of the buyer himself. To simplify your search for the right device, we have analyzed the models presented in online stores, studied their functionality and features, got acquainted with the technical characteristics and owner reviews. Below we present the ranking of the best, highest quality and most reliable routers for 2021-2022, grouped by the most popular query categories.

Best routers 2021-2022 ranking

Place	Name	Price	Ranking
Best routers by price/quality for 2021-2022
1	TP-LINK Archer AX73	Check price	4.9 / 5
2	ASUS RT-AX86U	Ask the price	4.8 / 5
3	MikroTik hAP ac3	Find out the price	4.7 / 5
4	Keenetic Giga (KN-1011)	Find out the price	4.6 / 5
The best routers with 4G SIM card
1	Alcatel Link Zone MW40V	Learn the price	4.9 / 5
2	ZTE MF283	Find out the price	4.8 / 5
3	Keenetic Hero 4G (KN-2310)	Learn the price	4.7 / 5
4	HUAWEI B311-221	Find out the price	4.6 / 5
Best 100Mbps routers
1	ASUS RT-N19	Learn the price	4.9 / 5
2	TP-LINK Archer A5	Learn the price	4.8 / 5
3	Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A RU	Find out the price	4.7 / 5
4	Keenetic Extra (KN-1711)	Find out the price	4.6 / 5
Best 1 Gbps routers
1	TP-LINK Archer C80	Learn the price	4.9 / 5
2	MikroTik hAP ac2	Learn the price	4.8 / 5
3	Keenetic Ultra KN-1810	Find out the price	4.7 / 5
4	Xiaomi Redmi Router AC2100 CN	Learn the price	4.6 / 5
Best inexpensive routers
1	netis WF2419E	Check out the price	4.9 / 5
2	Mercusys MW301R	Check out the price	4.8 / 5
3	UPVEL UR-310BN	Learn the price	4.7 / 5
4	Tenda N301	Find out the price	4.6 / 5

How to choose a router at a price/quality ratio?

There are several technical characteristics that are looked at when choosing:

• 2G, 3G and 4G networks;
• Available Wi-Fi frequencies (2, 4 or 5 GHz);
• The highest connection speed;
• The highest theoretical reception speed;
• availability of LAN ports to connect your computer to the router;
• the maximum number of clients that can be simultaneously connected to the device (especially relevant if you need to create a local network);
• battery capacity (the higher the capacity, the longer the operating time);
• connectors and slots and their number.

The best routers by price/quality for 2021-2022.

4. TP-LINK Archer AX73.

Fourth place goes to TP-LINK Archer AX73. This is a device with an excellent set of characteristics and a high level of performance. It can provide Internet not only for an apartment, but also for a small room of an office building or even a house with several floors. To increase the signal strength and range, the router has six external antennas. It is also worth noting that the frequency range here is wide, the device can simultaneously work on two frequencies.

The peak speed can reach 4.8 Gbit/sec. Four LAN ports allow you to connect to the local network. The router's casing has ventilation holes that prevent it from overheating even while running at full power. The security system provides a high degree of protection for the connection and the data transmitted.

A special application helps to set up the router in a few minutes. The USB 3.0 port allows you to share all kinds of media files and create a private cloud. The power of the device allows you to connect to it up to 200 devices, and special technologies reduce network congestion and increase bandwidth. High speed wireless connection will allow you to surf the Internet, watch your favorite videos and download large format files.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): Ethernet RJ-45;
• peak wireless connection speed: 5,400 Mbps;
• antennas: 6 external;
• Number of LAN-ports: 4.

3. ASUS RT-AX86U

In third place is the ASUS RT-AX86U, a dual-frequency gaming device. It has high bandwidth and ultra-low latency and belongs to the 2020 models. The manufacturer presents this device as a top-end specimen that has been programmed for wireless and cable networking in apartments, small homes, or offices.

Two high-speed USB connectors help users connect a modem, printer, and external storage devices. Advanced technology provides high bandwidth For more coverage, the device has external and internal antennas. Another plus is the ability to connect with other compatible routers to create a long-distance network.

The manufacturer has also taken care of information security of the product: the parental control function allows you to block inappropriate sites, and a reliable encryption system can protect against online threats. The router has a LED backlight on the body, which allows you to understand whether the device and its ports are working.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): external modem, Ethernet RJ-45;
• peak wireless connection speed: 5665 Mbps;
• antennas: 3 external, 1 internal;
• Number of LAN-ports: 4.

2. MikroTik hAP ac3

Second place went to the model MikroTik hAP ac3, designed for installation in the room. The manufacturer has positioned it as a mid-priced product. It is designed to provide Internet connection for a small apartment or office with 1-4 computers or laptops. Functioning in two bands allows you to build a cable and wireless network with stable power. Quad core processor delivers high theoretical data transfer rate.

Load sharing technology between multiple ISPs on the WAN ports, link redundancy and the ability to quickly switch to a cellular modem connection provide high fault tolerance. The real performance of the router is enough to perform home and office tasks and requests. The system of the device has wide opportunities for individual adjustment of settings. There is a SIM card slot in the case. The device does not take up much space thanks to the housing of small dimensions.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): Ethernet RJ-45;
• peak wireless connection speed: 1167 Mbit/s;
• antennas: 2 external;
• Number of LAN-ports: 4.

1. Keenetic Giga (KN-1011)

First place goes to the top-of-the-line Keenetic Giga (KN-1011) 2021 with a dual-core processor. It is hard to call this router cheap, but it is worth its money. This model can operate at two frequencies simultaneously. It can provide Internet not only in an apartment, but also in a small room of an office building or even a house with several floors. Up to 60 devices can connect to the router at the same time without slowing down the connection speed. Reliable security system allows you to block unwanted sites and protect your devices from viruses.

Management and operation are convenient, and setup is possible with the web-interface or mobile application. The manufacturer positions the model as belonging to the upper part of the middle price category. The system features an independent spectrum analyzer to constantly monitor the air and find free channels. The compact router can be placed on any surface on four convenient legs. If you want to mount it on the wall, the special holes will help you. The router can allow you to connect to multiple providers at the same time.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): SFP, external modem, Ethernet RJ-45;
• peak wireless connection speed: 1201 Mbps;
• antennas: 4 external;
• Number of LAN-ports: 4.

The best routers with 4G SIM card

4. Alcatel Link Zone MW40V

Fourth place in the ranking is the Alcatel Link Zone MW40V. A portable router that will work great anywhere because it runs on its own battery. You can take the device with you on vacation or to the country house thanks to its handy body and lightness. 4G LTE mode allows you to watch movies, TV shows, play your favorite games and perform a lot of tasks, while the Internet will work quality and smoothly. The powerful battery will allow you to use the router for six hours.

Up to 15 users can access the Internet simultaneously. The data transfer speed can reach 150 Mbit/s, which will allow you to surf the Internet without being distracted by malfunctions. You can control the router from your smartphone by downloading a special app to it. It displays traffic, SMS, connection status and battery level. In addition, you will be able to block unnecessary clients who connect to your network without permission.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): SIM card;
• Frequency range of Wi-Fi devices: 2.4 GHz;
• built-in SIM card support: 4G LTE, 3G;
• Encryption: WPA, WEP, WPA2.

3. ZTE MF283.

Third place - ZTE MF283. A router with a built-in 3G/4G modem, which can work with SIM cards from different mobile operators. The router is very convenient for use in places where there is no cable connection. It can provide internet access not only to an apartment, but also to a small room of an office building or even a house with several floors. The manufacturer has positioned ZTE MF283 as a mid-priced model. In addition to providing high speed connections the device can act as a file or media server.

The device is capable of creating a small local network and operating two phones. The built-in wireless Internet module can operate on a single frequency and can serve up to 32 clients. Two additional antennas will help increase Internet connection coverage. The router supports reliable and up-to-date security protocols and traffic encryption. You can configure the device using the browser with a simple and clear interface. Of the pluses we can note the bright color indication, which will prompt the way to connect to the network and help to understand whether the device is on.

Technical specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): Ethernet RJ-45, SIM card;
• built-in SIM-card support: 4G LTE, 3G;
• max wireless connection speed: 300 Mbps;
• encryption: WPA, WEP, WPA2;
• number of LAN-ports: 4;
• port speed: 100 Mbps.

2. Keenetic Hero 4G (KN-2310)

Second place goes to Keenetic Hero 4G (KN-2310), a multifunctional model that supports the ability to install a SIM card in a special slot. The device can function as the primary and only communication channel or as a backup to the Ethernet line. It is very easy to use, anyone can configure it. The model also supports the ability to install an outdoor MIMO antenna instead of indoor LTE variants, which allows you to surf the Internet even at a great distance from the base stations. Four Ethernet ports provide users with a stable wired connection to the World Wide Web.

The Keenetic Hero 4G (KN-2310) eliminates the problem of a weak signal and provides a continuous connection using the Mesh Wi-Fi system. The router has modes: router, bridge (connects two devices to each other), amplifier and access point. It is great for those who care about quality routing, LAN speed and reliable VPN connections. It's also a good option for use with network drives, smart TVs and for streaming 4K video.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): Ethernet RJ-45, SIM card;
• built-in SIM-card support: 4G LTE, 3G;
• maximum wireless connection speed: 1267 Mbps;
• antennas: 4 external;
• VPN: IPSec, L2TP, PPTP;
• Encryption: WPA, WEP, WPA2, WPA3;
• Number of LAN-ports: 4;
• port speed: 1 Gbps.

1. HUAWEI B311-221

First place - HUAWEI B311-221, a multifunctional powerful router with a special slot for SIM cards, which supports Wi-Fi, LAN and DLNA signal transmission. It is positioned as a medium price category device. Recommended for use in an area remote from a cable Internet connection. There is a RJ-11 socket for connecting the phone. Theoretical connection speed is 300 Mbit / s, the real can reach 100-110 Mbit / s.

Standards WEP, WPA and WPA2 reliably protect your network from unwanted connections, and firewall prevents hacker attacks and break into your computer. The built-in antenna is capable of transmitting over impressive distances. The device is compatible with IP-TV technology, so you can use it to connect your smart TV to the Internet. The Huawei B311-221 unit is equipped with a parental control function, which will allow you to block unwanted domains and sites.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): Ethernet RJ-45, SIM card;
• built-in SIM card support: 4G LTE, 3G;
• max wireless connection speed: 300 Mbps;
• encryption: WPA, WEP, WPA2;
• number of LAN ports: 1;
• port speed: 1 Gbps.

The best 100 Mbps routers.

4. ASUS RT-N19

In fourth place is the budget Internet center ASUS RT-N19. This model has a wide range and fairly stable signal, it helps four antennas. The device is suitable for an apartment, cottage or office. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to set up in accordance with the user's needs. Due to its compact case the device will not take much space. There is only one operating range - 2.4 GHz.

The speed, which reaches 600 mbps, is quite enough to cope with all work tasks and have fun watching your favorite movies or videos, as well as downloading a large-sized file. You can organize a VPN server (PPTP) for remote access to the local network using a connection that is securely encrypted. The device successfully performs NAT, Firewall, DHCP server, repeater and bridge functions. Router can be also configured via ASUS Router mobile application (Android and iOS). The user can create up to three wireless guest networks via it.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): Ethernet RJ-45;
• peak wireless connection speed: 600 Mbps;
• antennas: 4 external;
• Number of LAN-ports: 2.

3. TP-LINK Archer A5

In third place is the TP-LINK Archer A5. This is another Internet center of the budget segment, which works simultaneously in two bands and gives a decent transmission speed. It can provide Internet not only for an apartment, but also for a small room of an office building or even a house with several floors. Four external powerful antennas allow the wireless network to cover a wide coverage area and establish the stability of the connection of user devices.

The device is controlled by a special app that can be downloaded to your smartphone. It also supports "bridge" (can mediate between two other devices) and "access point" functions. The router can provide you with a wired connection to the Internet using four LAN ports with data transfer rates of up to 100 mbps. Another distinguishing feature is the overheat protection.

You can safely use your device without thinking that its temperature will rise from prolonged and intensive use. Network sharing will allow you to watch videos or download large files and simultaneously sit on social networks. Creating a separate guest network will increase connection security.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): Ethernet RJ-45;
• peak wireless connection speed: 1167 Mbit/s;
• antennas: 4 external;
• Number of LAN-ports: 4.

2. Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A RU

Second place goes to the Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A RU, which allows you to access the World Wide Web with multiple digital devices at once. Four non-removable antennas located on the housing expand the signal distribution area and increase its quality. The router can provide Internet not only for an apartment, but also for a small room of an office building or a house. Router operates in two frequency ranges, so the connection speed will be high, up to 1167 mbps.

The router can also be used for wired connection of a pair of computers to the local network or to connect two routers to each other. Two LAN ports will help you in this. The stable operation level of the device is also guaranteed by the built-in signal amplifier. A noise reduction module enhances the sensitivity of the receiver and an intelligent algorithm for error correction maintains stability.

The signal easily passes through walls in the apartment. The large memory allows you to connect up to 128 devices to your device, so you can manage your smart home more conveniently. The protective function of parental control will help to block unwanted sites.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): Ethernet RJ-45;
• peak wireless connection speed: 1167 Mbps;
• antennas: 4 external;
• Number of LAN-ports: 2.

1. Keenetic Extra (KN-1711)

The first place goes to the Keenetic Extra (KN-1711), which can be used to create and organize a wired or wireless network anywhere. It will provide internet access not only in your apartment but also in a small room of an office building or even in a house with several floors. Many useful connectors are sewn into the case of the device: five RJ-45 ports with automatic cable type detection and two USB ports for connecting various types of digital media, such as hard drives.

Optimal coverage is achieved by using three antennas with amplification. There are also light indicators on the router that help you know if it's on and which jacks are working. The device combines a modem and a router and can be used not only to establish a wireless connection, but also for IP telephony.

Setting up the device is simple, and it can be controlled using a mobile app, web interface or TELNET command line. The device supports backup and restore of the original system and software updates. The maximum wireless connection speed can reach 867 Mbps.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): external modem, Ethernet RJ-45;
• antennas: 4 external;
• Number of LAN-ports: 4.

Best 1 Gbps routers.

4. TP-LINK Archer C80.

Fourth place went to the device TP-LINK Archer C80, which is positioned by the manufacturer as a product of the average price segment. It can provide internet not only for an apartment but also for a small room in an office building or even a house a couple of floors high. Four antennas located on the housing, provide a wide coverage area of the wireless network and stability of the connection of user devices.

The device is controlled by a special application that can be downloaded to your smartphone. Here you can also block unwanted users. The router will assign the connected devices to less loaded channels if necessary, allowing you to watch videos or download larger files and surf social networks at the same time.

You can create a guest network for secure connections, and the parental control feature lets you block unwanted sites. Support for the latest encryption standards improves security and guarantees a high level of protection. Four LAN ports allow you to create a local network with high speed and bandwidth up to 1 mbps.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): Ethernet RJ-45;
• peak wireless connection speed: 1900 Mbps;
• antennas: 4 external;
• Number of LAN-ports: 4.

3. MikroTik hAP ac2

In third place is MikroTik hAP ac2 with high bandwidth and traditionally extensive configuration options. The manufacturer presents this model as a solution for creating high-speed wired and wireless connections in homes, apartments or small office spaces. The device offers a rich set of features, great functionality, configuration flexibility and affordable price. The router works in two bands and has five LAN ports.

For high-speed data transmission, the device is equipped with two radio modules and three built-in antennas. This also contributes to fast performance and wide network coverage. The router functions as a router, bridge or repeater.

There is one USB Type-A 2.0 socket that allows you to organize a media or file server, there is also the possibility to connect a 3G modem. This greatly extends the functionality of the router, as it can be used in locations remote from "civilization". The router can be placed either on the wall or mounted vertically on any surface.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): external modem, Ethernet RJ-45;
• peak wireless connection speed: 1167 Mbit/s;
• antennas: 2 internal;
• Number of LAN-ports: 5.

2. Keenetic Ultra KN-1810

In second place is the Keenetic Ultra KN-1810. This model can be used to create and organize wired and wireless networks in any premises. It can provide internet not only in an apartment, but also in a small room of an office building or even a house with several floors. Many useful connectors are sewn into the case of the device: five RJ-45 ports with automatic cable type detection and two USB ports for connecting various types of digital media, such as hard drives.

Optimal coverage is achieved by using three antennas with amplification. There are also light indicators on the router that help you know if it's on and which jacks are working. The device combines a modem and a router and can be used not only to establish a wireless connection, but also for IP telephony. Setting up the device is simple, and it can be controlled using a mobile app, web interface or TELNET command line.

The device supports backup and restore of the original system and software updates. When the Keenetic Plus DECT module is installed, the router becomes a DECT base station for 6 handsets. The model supports all current security protocols.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): SFP, external modem, Ethernet RJ-45;
• peak wireless connection speed: 2533 Mbps;
• antennas: 4 external;
• Number of LAN-ports: 4.

1. Xiaomi Redmi Router AC2100 CN

The first place belongs to the Xiaomi Redmi Router AC2100 CN working on two frequencies. It is one of the cheapest products in the medium price category. Six external antennas will help extend the range of the router, and the signal will penetrate even thick walls. The device can provide Internet not only for an apartment, but also for a small room of an office building. For a 5 GHz signal, there is technology support that locates devices and routes the signal in their direction.

Gigabit ports help create a cable connection of devices to the World Wide Web at impressive speeds. The dual-core processor performs the necessary tasks much more successfully than its single-core counterpart, while providing excellent data quality.

The device uses game acceleration for platforms while eliminating slowdowns and connectivity issues, so you'll be immersed in the action of your favorite game without any distractions. Provides full operation of current security protocols and traffic encryption.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): Ethernet RJ-45;
• Wireless connection peak speed: 2033 Mbit/s;
• antennas: 6 external;
• Number of LAN-ports: 3.

The best inexpensive routers

4. netis WF2419E

Fourth place goes to the model netis WF2419E, which develops a wireless connection speed of 300 Mbit/sec, which will allow you to view media content in high resolution and download large files without delay. You can use the router both at home and in the office. To extend the range and increase the speed of the device is equipped with two non-removable antennas located on the body.

Users can choose from six operating modes of the router: client, access point, access point + WDS, Multi-SSID (mode that allows you to create up to three guest connections), WDS (connects two devices, ie it is a bridge) and repeater. The device supports all modern connection and transmission security standards. The router is easy to set up, once started the user opens a built-in web page for selecting settings. The cable allows you to connect four devices to the device. The device has a compact size and can be easily mounted on the wall if necessary.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): Ethernet RJ-45;
• peak wireless connection speed: 300 Mbps;
• antennas: 2 external;
• Number of LAN-ports: 4.

3. Mercusys MW301R

In third place we will see the Mercusys MW301R router, which is designed to connect several devices to the World Wide Web simultaneously. For more extensive coverage and signal stabilization the device is equipped with two external non-removable antennas. Users can administer the model using a special web interface. It is user-friendly and easy to understand. For protection, there are options for blocking unwanted content and an encryption system.

The manufacturer positions the device as a product of the average price category. It is one of the cheapest options for a full-fledged router on the market today. Three network ports will help connect three devices to the Internet. The router can perform the functions of Firewall, NAT and DHCP-server, functions properly in bridge mode and uses actual methods of Wi-Fi traffic encryption.

The device allows you to create a guest network to protect your connections. Thanks to the IP-TV support you can watch TV channels on your PC. You can easily set a password on the wireless network so that no one can connect to it without your consent.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): Ethernet RJ-45;
• peak wireless connection speed: 300 Mbps;
• antennas: 2 external;
• Number of LAN-ports: 2.

2. UPVEL UR-310BN

In second place is the UPVEL UR-310BN, an excellent choice for use at home or in small offices. The frequency range of this router is only one 2.4 GHz. The wireless connection speed reaches 150 Mbit/s and allows you to transfer data between several simultaneously connected devices. The powerful built-in transmitter and the external removable antenna contribute to a stable and fast connection at any distance from the device.

Router setup and administration can be done through a simplified web interface in Russian. Four LAN connectors are provided for cable connection to the Internet. The device works perfectly with most Internet service providers that use dynamic/static IP, PPPoE, PPTP and L2TP, as well as Russian versions of these protocols with dual access. Thanks to IP-TV support, users will be able to watch TV channels on their PC.

Specifications:

• Internet connection (WAN): Ethernet RJ-45;
• peak wireless connection speed: 150 Mbit/s;
• antenna: 1 external;
• Number of LAN-ports: 4.

Tenda N301.

The first place went to Tenda N301, which guarantees a stable data transfer that allows users to watch videos, play music and games online without loss of quality. With the help of special functions it is possible to control the time spent in the Internet and to filter sites, blocking access to undesirable ones. Two outdoor antennas are designed to expand the area of the device and supply a stable signal anywhere in your apartment.

A special WPS/TST button on the back of the housing is designed for quick setup of security settings without the need for additional settings. It is done with the touch of a button. The model can distribute traffic between connected devices without loss in connection quality. It can also work as a router connected to an Internet service provider or as a Wi-Fi access point, providing Internet in the right place.

Specifications:

• communication type: Wi-Fi;
• Internet connection (WAN): Ethernet RJ-45;
• antenna: 2 external;
• Number of LAN-ports: 3.

What brand should I choose?

Among the brands on the market today, it is worth choosing Keenetic, ASUS, TP-LINK and MikroTik.

Conclusion .

Choosing and buying a router will not be such a difficult matter, if you pay attention to the criteria you need. Once you have decided on the purpose for which you need a device, the search will be much easier, and the purchase will please you with stable and long work.

Useful video

The video gives you an overview of the best routers: